Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: Painkiller addiction: the plague that is sweeping the US Pain is the number one reason that people visit a doctor. What most people don’t realize is in most cases doctors are at complete loss on how to address the condition that’s causing the pain. If there’s nothing they can cut out or an infection they can treat with antibiotics then pain pills are there primary choice. This lack of proper training is devastating to our country. Simply writing a prescription and not dealing with the root cause is leading to close to 200,000 deaths per year for all types of drugs. The more pain pills handed out, the more cases of addiction; the more cases of addiction, the more illegal street trafficking of the drugs; the more illegal street trafficking, the more snorting and injecting of the crushed pills; the more snorting and injecting, the more overdoses; the more overdoses, the more deaths. The death toll exceeds that caused by heroin and cocaine combined, and in 17 states has become the No 1 cause of injury deaths, surpassing even car crashes. At around the same time, drug companies, led by Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of the leading opioid painkiller OxyContin, embarked on a massive marketing push. In 2001, Purdue Pharma spent $200m promoting OxyContin. Primary care physicians, in particular, were targeted, and their patients induced to try out the drug with 30-day free trial periods. Pharmaceutical companies are not looking out for your best interest. Don’t let pharmaceutical companies make you a drug addict seek solutions for your pain.
WELLNESS: FOODS FOR PAIN Ginger A staple of traditional medicine, this pungent root is probably best known for its anti-nausea, stomach-soothing properties. But ginger can also fight pain, including achy muscles from exercise as well as menstrual cramps. One study found ginger capsules worked as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen at relieving period pain. Blueberries These little juicy gems have lots of phytonutrients that may fight inflammation and lessen pain. If it's not berry season, frozen blueberries can have the same or even more nutrients than fresh. Other fruits with antioxidants and polyphenols, including strawberries and oranges, can have a similar soothing effect. Pumpkin Seeds Pepitas are a terrific source of magnesium, a mineral that may cut the number of migraines you get. It may also help prevent and treat osteoporosis. But despite what you may have heard, it doesn't seem to stop leg cramps at night. For more magnesium, add almonds and cashews, dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach and kale), beans, and lentils to your diet. Salmon Loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, salmon makes just about all of the "good for you" lists. It's considered heart-healthy and may relieve joint tenderness if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Other varieties of cold-water fish, including tuna, sardines, and mackerel, are good choices, too. Avoid tilapia and catfish, though: Their higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids may promote inflammation. Turmeric The compound in the spice that gives curry its bright orange-yellow color can affect several processes in your body, including inflammation. Studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who took supplements of curcumin found they could walk better and without the side effects of taking drugs. Black pepper can help your body absorb it, so try a blend of the spices, steeped with ginger and honey into a tea. Tart Cherries In one study, runners who drank tart cherry juice starting 7 days before a race and on race day (12 ounces, twice daily) had significantly less muscle pain than a group who swigged a similar-tasting beverage with no natural juice. It could be from the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the fruit. Chili Peppers Capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilies their heat, is well known for its painkilling properties in creams and patches. Some early research suggests that eating hot peppers, instead of putting them on your skin, may reduce and prevent inflammation, too. The "burn" also tricks your brain into releasing endorphins, which block pain signals. Mint Peppermint oil relieves the painful cramps, gas, and bloating that are the hallmarks of irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint tea is a good soother for occasional tummy upset. In early research, Brazilian mint tea (made from the plant Hyptnis crenata) has been as effective as a prescription painkiller.
CONDITION OF THE WEEK: Chiropractic and pain There are different types of pain including chronic pain, nerve pain, psychogenic pain, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, complex regional pain syndrome etc. so pain has to be addressed at the source and so it’s important to understand what’s causing the pain. Is it a chemical imbalance? Is it some type of electrical imbalance within the nervous system or is it due to some other condition that needs to be treated. Chiropractic has a history of resolving pain when other approaches fail and with today’s powerfully addictive pain pills it’s important to seek solution for your pain instead of just treating the symptoms. Pain pills can damage the liver (over 20,000 arthritic’s die every year from liver failure because of pain pills) and kidneys (3500 women a year die from kidney failure taking ibuprofen for their headaches), lungs, stomach and intestines as well as muscles. Chiropractic has multiple tools when it comes to pain. For neck and back pain as well as other joint pain realignment is very effective. Even with joints like elbows, knees, fingers or feet adjustments can be very effective. Next when we get into inflammation nutritional therapy becomes increasingly important. Even your body pH can set you up for pain when you are too acidic that leads to inflammation and pain. Homeopathy, acupuncture, electrotherapy, pulse magnetic therapy are just a few of the tools that we use at Keefe clinic. If you or a friend suffer from pain seek solutions, seek care by a chiropractic physician, you’ll be glad that you did.
FUNNY BONES: (Thinking joke) I bought my friend an elephant for his room. He said "Thanks" I said "Don't mention it"@@ Why did the old man fall in the well? Because he couldn't see that well.@@ Wife says to her programmer husband, "Go to the store and buy a loaf of bread. If they have eggs, buy a dozen." Husband returns with 12 loaves of bread.@@ I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me.@@ Guy walks into a bar and orders a fruit punch. Bartender says "Pal, if you want a punch you'll have to stand in line" Guy looks around, but there is no punch line.@@ I've been told I'm condescending. (that means I talk down to people)@@ Before your criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do criticize them, you're a mile away and have their shoes.